Arsenal boss Wenger defends fans for empty seats: It's understandable

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger shrugged off the empty seats for last night's Europa League win over BATE Borisov.

The Gunners won the dead rubber 6-0 in front of a record low crowd at Emirates stadium.

Asked if the attendance affected his players, Wenger replied: "No, I think you forget about that once you are on the pitch. It's true that you prefer the ground to be full, but tonight there was not a lot at stake on the competitive side. No matter how many sit in the stands, you have to give them what they expect - and that's what we did.

"You respect the decision of your fans. They knew we were top of the group anyway and you could basically expect that. You have looked around last night in the Champions League in game number six, I have seen many grounds not full, or half empty.